Demanding Water

In Exodus, before Israel runs out of water in chapter 17, God meets their needs for food in chapter 16. In addition, they learned a lesson in following simple rules, and God blessed them through their experience. However, the grumbling of the Israelites so soon after shows that they quickly forgot about God’s past provision. We all know what it is like when situations are less than ideal. We are quick to focus on everything that isn’t right or to our liking and forget everything else that has already been supplied. We manage to get a swift, humble reminder here and there, but in time, we get right back to complaining and rebellion. Failing to believe God is actively working for good shows up in countless ways every day. Impatience and attempting to take control are examples of this. There will continuously be urgent needs that arise, and we forget so soon that it is not our self-reliance and demands that get the job done. We need God, and we need each other, too. There is an immense amount of forgiveness and grace that must be extended to each other, always. Time and time again, anger will be misdirected, misunderstandings will cause collisions, and gossip will ensue. When this happens, whatever the situation, demanding water in accusation and impatience will not move God’s hand. Let us instead be reminded of his provision, uniting us in abundance and grace. He gives us what we need, not what we demand. He extends us mercy and forgiveness through Jesus, our Savior, the Living Water. Despite the Israelites' lack of foresight, God again provides what they need to sustain themselves in Exodus 17. Water flowed from the rock that Moses struck in obeying God’s command in His presence. God continues to give us life-giving sustenance in a world of sin and unrest. Gratitude reminds us of what He has already done, leaving us sustained and our thirst quenched. We should never shy away from asking for God’s help; in fact, we must do so in trust and knowledge that, as much as we suffer, the rock has already been struck on our behalf.

Heavenly Father, I come before you today as I face less-than-ideal situations. Help me not to be foolish, to desire to take control, or to rebel against Your Will. Thank you for giving me what I need and helping me to be more aware of what you continue to provide. Teach me to ask for your help instead of being restless in expectations and demands. Help my heart to stay quenched in your life-giving sustenance every day. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.